Welcome Home, Cobber
This may or may not be my last week at The Prediction's helm. Sandra is due back on November 21st but wasn't sure she'd be ready to assume the reins once more immediately. So it is possible that our leader will not be overseeing the domain until the following week (or thereabouts). I hope I've done a reasonable job of keeping the place afloat. My admiration for Sandra's efforts have done nothing but increase with every week that has passed. It's been fun...but I'm deliriously delighted to relinquish my power.
This week, I will not be listing those tales that were in the running for top spot. To do so would be to include every submission put forward. Indeed, this past week was an incredible array of top notch stories and I believe everyone excelled. That being said, I'm sure each of you realize then how difficult it was to select a winner. My choice is in recognition of the ability this writer constantly displays in making what could be the mundane into a delightful slice of day-to-day life in a little shop found on an island located in the English Channel. Congratulations to Antonia for Episode 22 of "Stop The World, I Want To Get Off," but the well-deserved accolade is really in appreciation of this captivating serialization in its entirety thus far.
This week, I will not be listing those tales that were in the running for top spot. To do so would be to include every submission put forward. Indeed, this past week was an incredible array of top notch stories and I believe everyone excelled. That being said, I'm sure each of you realize then how difficult it was to select a winner. My choice is in recognition of the ability this writer constantly displays in making what could be the mundane into a delightful slice of day-to-day life in a little shop found on an island located in the English Channel. Congratulations to Antonia for Episode 22 of "Stop The World, I Want To Get Off," but the well-deserved accolade is really in appreciation of this captivating serialization in its entirety thus far.
Words
for next week (selected via a random word generator):
Stunning Maid Quaint
Stunning Maid Quaint
Entries
by Midnight (GMT) Thursday 22nd November
Words and Winners posted by Noon (GMT) Friday 23rd November
Words and Winners posted by Noon (GMT) Friday 23rd November
Antonia, cheers for a well deserved selection.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Antonia for a well deserved top slot. 'Stop the world' is so enjoyable.
DeleteKandar-24: Uncivil War
ReplyDeletePhilus was at The Harpy’s Maiden when the city watch entered. The sergeant said, “How quaint, all the fish in one barrel. You’re all under arrest by order of Lord Commander Galiel, unless you’re dead.”
The arrogance of his statement was as stunning as his lack of intelligence. A flying dagger caught the sergeant in the shoulder. Swords were drawn, the fighting commenced. Philus drew his cinquedea as two approached. He stabbed one in the leg, blocking the other with his new arm. The blade broke, then it crushed the man’s throat. What the hell did that necromancer do?
Great action imagery as always Jeffery, and brilliant use of the prompts too.
DeleteSo much action in so few words. Impressive.
DeleteExcellent imagery indeed, Jeffrey. And a nice show of action as well.
DeleteShoppe Talk
ReplyDeleteNico was once again captivated by the quaintness of Diyu’s Underworld Curiosity Shoppe. Despite her efforts not to, she browsed the front window, particularly the stunning Chinese maid costume displayed on the stick thin mannequin. She imagined salaciously what Henry would think when she wore it.
The proprietress smiled as she boxed the item and slid it across the counter. On the way out, Nico saw the mannequin, naked just moments before, clad in a steel spiked Asian teddy. Nico hurried to the counter with her credit card.
Laden with packages, Nico called seductively to Henry as she walked into her apartment.
Intrigue upon intrigue and I just know something horrid is about to happen..... when will Nico learn.... or will it be too late.... great use of the prompts, John, and a story that keeps drawing the reader in.
DeleteI don't know about intrigue but the look on Henry's face at what Nico b ought would be precious. Enjoyed how you did this with just narration. Good tight writing.
DeleteOh my. Wherever will this lead?
DeleteWhat Nico may have in mind fuels the imagination, John. Can't wait for the next installment.
Deletethere is a next instalment, isn't there????
DeleteThis gets increasingly fascinating. I'm very interested to hear more about that steel spiked Asian teddy.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry - 30- Tosca meets Sarg
ReplyDeleteSarg paced impatiently around the half-constructed 'pangonel'.
'You took yer time,’ she barked at Nigel as the missing parts were dragged in, ‘an what in Nikedillo’s name is that god awful stink ? ’
Tosca chortled, and slapped her soundly on the rear. ‘Quaint brogue, sharp tongue, an’ broad in the beam,’ He said appreciatively.
Sarg swiftly aimed a couple of savagely stunning blows at his head: But Tosca moved faster. He crouched in the far corner of the high-roofed burrow; his stance practised and warrior-like, and he was grinning broadly.
‘She’s a feisty maid, ain’t she Nige?’
Sarg growled.
The scene played out like a movie trailer in my mind. That's very good writing, Terrie.
DeleteYes, a movie of this would be in order, I think.
DeleteAs always, Terrie, your superb combination of narrative and dialog creates a splendid tale. I love your stuff!
Deletethis is a good instalment, with dillos doing what dillos do best, fighting!
DeleteSuch vivid images. This will fit equally well as a silver screen film or a small screen animated feature. I'm already imagining who the voice-over actors might be. How I am loving this series!
DeleteLove it, Terrie! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI just logged in to find out who the winner is - shocked to find it's me! Thanks so much, Patricia, thanks to everyone else too, for the weekly goodies.
ReplyDeleteI'll be back later with comments and this week's instalment(s) - good words, Patricia and no worries, you've done a wonderful job of holding the fort for Sandra!!
Your entry was very worthy of the top prize, Antonia. Congratulations!
DeleteNOTHING AS TERRIFYING AS...
ReplyDeleteMy son Lucas fell from a third-story balcony Tuesday, severing his spinal cord near T3. He told me via text message. I was, and am, stunned. He was apparently just having fun, goofing around with his friends, and was running out to the balcony, and went over the edge. The quaint little decorative railings did nothing to stop him, or even slow him down. He is going to be paralyzed for the rest of his life. His girlfriend Kelly is a Godsend, being his maid, friend and protector. I can’t even process what she is going through, down in Austin.
OMG! David please be there for your son. My prayers and thoughts for him and your family in this trying time.
DeleteReally, really sorry to hear this, David. Such a short moment between playing around and shocking accident. Do hope ... well, I don't know what to hope. Sending support.
DeleteFor myself, any accidents that might've brought a premature end to our holiday have been eased by returning the bike to the shipping depot, so Im expecting to be back in. Prediction harness by Friday.
one moment and life turns completely around. Sending thoughts to you all.
DeleteI initially believed this to be a very authentic but created tale. Seems my assumption was totally wrong. I do hope your son is faring well and that the original diagnosis of lifetime paralysis might yet prove to be unfounded.
DeleteThank you all. Unfortunately, it is real. Originally I didn't want to say anything, but then I decided to write an entry. I can't think of anything more terrible than one's children being hurt or killed. I think I was trying to come to grips with it. On the upside, he has an unbelievable good attitude, and is doing his PT and all that is asked of him.
DeleteThe War of the Farmlands
ReplyDeleteThis was anything but quaint. Milk maids all a row. Quite contrary. No intention of looking pretty. Armed with steel rimmed milk pails. Only the clatter of hooves on the cobbled yard broke the silent tension.
The boy blue blew on his horn.
The maids advanced in columns across the turnip fields. Their arms spun like windmills. The pails howled like banshees. Stunning blows scattered teeth to the dirt like fallen pearls.
The enemy tumbled down with bloodied crowns. The cattle came tumbling after. Tramping corpses to the dirt. No one could put them together again.
Wonderful images of childhood rhymes cleverly brought to life with an adult perspective. Easy to visualize with the spot on and vivid descriptions. great writing David.
DeleteA very novel approach, David, just loaded with vivid images. The third paragraph is exceptionally well done. Great job!
Deleteoh yes... very clever and very visual, too.
DeleteWhat an horrific image is that of milkmaids "windmilling' their pails as they marched in formation. I also picture them with innocently smiling faces and bouncing pigtails. Great imagination you have used here and very clever incorporation of rhymes from the nursery.
DeleteDavid, what a lovely egg salad you made from all those nursery rhymes. Very well written and with good use of the prompts.
ReplyDeleteA Home spun Tale: A Short Fictional Autobiography-6
ReplyDelete“You, stunningly and quaintly, won an award for your story, The Lycan and the Maid.”
“Yes, Mr. Fuzzy. I earned my first Ripper Knife.”
“Why didn’t you go out with the group?”
“They didn’t ask everyone to go with them.”
* *
A-List walked past the Delacorte Theater. At the fork, she saw a bright green dog. It barked thrice. The soot black and red eyed mastiff appeared behind it.
* *
“What ‘s up, Sergeant Alwyn.”
“A mouthful of black fur. If this wasn’t Central Park, I’d think I was back in Wales. A Gwyllgi killed her.”
I really enjoy your writing Jeffrey. Dialogue that moves the story along, wonderfully named characters and action that keeps me as a reader totally absorbed all the time.
DeleteGreat array of characters and each one separate and distinct. Very nicely done.
DeleteSquatter’s Rites-11
ReplyDeleteJacob seethed with anger. They’d destroyed his wife Candice, the maiden who’d made his existence worth living. He pondered his revenge.
“Jacob, I’ve a suggestion for you.”
He recognized the voice but was briefly stunned to see a jackalope standing next to him.
“What are you doing here, Mr. Goodfellow.”
“I heard about your situation through the grapevine. My condolences about Candice. I have a suggestion.”
“Thanks, that’s very quaint. How much will this cost?”
“Nothing, since I’m not doing the work.”
“Okay, tell me.”
“Use their weapons against them. See a lawyer and assure your due in court.”
What more can I say Jeffrey all my above comments on your previous piece holds true. I'm hooked on this story too and look forward to reading it each week.
DeleteThis gets increasingly fascinating. The beauty of this serialization is that the reader can never be sure where it will go next.
DeleteSomething Borrowed
ReplyDeleteNatalie had her fill of being a bit player in every wedding, from Flower Girl to Maid of Honour. All ensemble roles. Never a leading lady. Never star of the show. Well, this time things were different. The quaint little chapel was winsome and old-fashioned in many ways, but that was part of its charm.
And if the unexpected bride, all eyes on her for a change, walked down the aisle in a white dress stained with glistening blood, Natalie was convinced she would still look absolutely stunning.
this is good, one of those vignettes that start out all demure and nice and then turn nasty at the end. Which I love...
DeleteOh my, what an ending. Beautifully done in narration. Good tight writing and prompt use.
ReplyDeleteThe Vision
ReplyDeleteThe maid paused by the quaint antique mirror. A flash had caught her eye. The reflection through the bay window of the ocean waves throwing themselves upon the beach was stunning.
She gazed into the mirror, watching, almost anticipating... What?
A premonition?
She struggled to breathe.
The waves broke harder, pounding relentlessly.
Her grandmother used to have visions. As a child, even she had them. According to her grandmother.
But that was the Old World.
Or so she had told herself.
That denial seemed foolish now.
Finally she gasped. Drawing in much needed air.
And she knew.
It was coming.
Great entry, Jerry. The maid's wary anticipation is infectious. 'Waves throwing themselves upon the beach' creates a marvelous image.
Deleteoh yes, and when it comes, stand back, world, it isn't going to be pretty, is it?
DeleteBrimming with suspense, as every good tale of this genre should be. Expert incorporation of the prompt words too. Who could ask for more?
DeleteJerry, that's a very good opening. The rest of the story is also pretty darn good.
ReplyDeleteIn Melbourne's stunning Museum, filling time until we head for the airport. Had a truly fantastic time, bike (1969 A65 BSA) didn't miss a beat. Sights ranged from the quaint - man busking in Sydney,wearing a gas mask to protect himself from the plane tree pollen -to the sort that would alarm a maiden aunt.
ReplyDeleteExpect to be ready to go again by Friday.
An enjoyable update about your trip yet you managed to include all the prompts. Well done.
Deletenice one, Sandra. Hope you had a wonderful time.
DeleteIt took me a minute to realize that not only was this an update on your trip but a composition that also embraced the prompts. Ah, Sandra...you have been so missed!
DeleteA lone figure approaches…stops…looks warily around. It is a grotesque old woman dressed in a bloody maid’s uniform. Odd? Not really. This, after all, is Limboland, once stunningly picturesque and quaint but now an area of Earth unfit for decent humans…a wound that oozes unimaginable misery and woe. Unspeakable beings inhabit Limboland. Beings more fearsome than terrors awaiting within the grave’s cold embrace. These beings have minds feverishly ablaze with lecherous and monstrous visions, with loathsome cravings and lusts that allow nothing humanly decent a chance to take hold.
ReplyDeleteThey are my perfect prey.
Ah! The bloodied maid again approaches.
The title is CONSCRIPTION 3: LIMBOLAND.
DeleteJD, again a very well written and enjoyable continuation.
Deletelots of nasties going on here, more please!
DeleteThis just keeps getting better. I'm hoping that this serialization continues for a very long time. Magnificent description of Limboland in this one.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Thirty Nine) - "Picaroon Lagoon: Anchors Aweigh!"
ReplyDeleteAfter an inordinate amount of preparation time, Picaroon Lagoon finally lowered its gangplank to the public. The pirate ship was christened "Maid of Malakut," which sounded quaint but otherwise rang no recognizable bells.
The attraction's first shipload of passengers, promised a feast of stunning swashbuckling adventures and smorgasbord of never-to-be-forgotten exploits, set sail across the bay and exited through a narrow channel, whereupon the sloop itself disappeared taking all aboard with it.
Those next in line were amazed. Assumption had been of a stationary vessel. Excitement ran high as they waited...and waited...and waited...
...for the "Maid" to return.
---------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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NOTE: ""Picaroon Lagoon" has featured in previous episodes.
so where is it, what happened, will it come back. what about those waiting on the shore... you see what you've started????
DeleteLittle House On The Hill
ReplyDeleteCharlie's home had always been the quaint little house on the hill. Here was perpetual Winter. Charlie didn't mind. Home was warm. A magical place where nobody became old or sick.
It was usually dark outside but occasionally, Charlie awoke to stunning bright lights overhead and sometimes, singing from the far side of the hill:
...Seven Swans A-Swimming...
...Eight Maids A-Milking...
Pretty tune!
It amazed Charlie how everything stayed put when the blizzard swept through. Nothing broke, even though the house itself flipped upsidedown.
If Charlie wondered what lay beyond the glass-domed sky of his world, he never mentioned it
A very beautiful and somber story of life inside a snow globe. IMHO, one of the best stories you've written.
DeleteHow creative, Patricia! A beautifully crafted tale!
Deletethis is sad and yet beautiful at the same time. That takes skill.
DeleteI greatly enjoyed this installment, of course I really do like pirate stories. I've my pixie dust ready so I can sail with any further installments. You've tight writing and very good use of the prompts.
ReplyDeleteShrimp by Another Name
ReplyDeleteBalemouth sat under the tree, eating the food he'd acquired at the traveling market. He knew his maiden Sky Raven would be stunned that he broke his promise but he couldn't help it. He so enjoyed them raw, despite the risk to his stomach. Just grab them by their appendages, a slit down their back and pull the innards out. Only the tender, tasty morsels remained.
She liked them cooked and at that she did an excellent job. They were quaintly flavored with a savory, sweet, yet lightly salty sauce that made you want to lick your claws.
This was a little visual feast of a tale. What an interesting concept.
DeleteStop the Week, I want to get off (23)
ReplyDeleteTime to tackle the Christmas windows, quaint to match the shop; stunning to draw attention. This year, Teddy Bears’ Christmas, lyrics amended to suit the time of year, mini table with mini jars of honey for the two Christmas bears… it worked. Someone bought the shelves I wanted for the other window. Sigh. Day two and: small drop leaf table, cloth, Christmas tree, half wreath, all in place and someone came in to buy the table… maid that I am, I sorted another table, made a different display. Not quite the same, but… it works, after a fashion.
Seems like a good week for shelving and tables, Antonia. The picture of a "mini table with mini jars of honey for the two Christmas bears" is totally enchanting.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 82
ReplyDeleteThe quaint rules of the House of Commons meant the young women playing football in the centre aisle were berated for their conduct. The house was not sitting at the time. Some of us thought the idea stunning, but the Powers That Be never think the way others do. They no doubt secretly wished they were all employed as maids, not MPs. I suppose they should have been contemplating what they will do should the current PM be ousted from her position whilst the total mess that is Brexit goes on. The people have spoken, it should be enough.
Do the people ever really have a say? In the sense that any notice is truly taken, I mean. This came with a cynical flavour in my opinion. Cynicism being something I feel our Mad Italian often experiences.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 165 - Whodunnit?
ReplyDeleteSince childhood, Poppy had been an avid bookworm. Agatha Christie novels were particular favourites, especially those featuring Miss Jane Marple.
The old maid (Poppy preferred "elderly spinster"), who lived in a quaint cottage in a quaint village, possessed an uncanny ability for solving the most challenging crimes. Miss Marple's powers of deduction were absolutely stunning.
Poppy reread her cherished copy of "The Moving Finger" while waiting to board the train. How many times had she finished the mystery? Countless!
And if the perpetrator's identity always turned out to be a surprise, Poppy put it down to an elusive memory.
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To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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You never disappoint wit your installments, Patricia. Tight and very enjoyable."Poppy put it down to an elusive memory." is a very good ending line.
DeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #156
ReplyDeleteA Sinister Arrival
“Oh, a village, how quaint,” a stunning person observed.
They jumped off the sole carriage amid the fall leaves. The station maid shrank from the stranger’s obvious weaponry, shivering in fear. The stranger meandered into the station, surprising ticket collectors and tourists alike.
“This will be such fun!”
And again, you have changed the overall feel to yet another scenario. This serialization never fails to entertain and amaze.
DeleteI like this installment. It has the feel of a showdown in the old west. Good writing and prompt use.
ReplyDelete